Inclusivity for Older Adults: Combating Ageism

Ageism is a pervasive issue affecting older adults across various aspects of life, from employment to healthcare. At AllThrive 365, we believe everyone deserves respect, dignity, and opportunity, regardless of age. We see daily how harmful age discrimination can be. Combating ageism isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s essential to building healthier, more inclusive communities.

What Is Ageism?

Ageism is prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on age. The ageism definition includes stereotypes, biases, and systemic barriers that limit opportunities for older adults in employment, healthcare, media representation, and social participation.

According to the World Health Organization, one in two people globally holds ageist attitudes. This bias often goes unchecked, making it a quiet but widespread form of discrimination. Learn more in our guide on challenging stereotypes and promoting positive perspectives on aging.

Ageism in Daily Life

Ageism examples are everywhere — some blatant, others subtle. In healthcare, older adults may have their symptoms dismissed as simply “part of getting older,” leading to underdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. Media and advertising often reinforce stereotypes by portraying aging individuals as frail, forgetful, or out of touch, while rarely celebrating their vitality, diversity, or achievements.

Socially, older people might be excluded from conversations or decision-making, with others speaking over them or assuming they cannot understand modern issues. Even well-meaning jokes about memory lapses or being “too old” for certain activities can perpetuate negative assumptions about aging. These stereotypes shape public perception and influence how older people are treated across all sectors.

How to Combat Ageism in Daily Life:

At AllThrive 365, we implement several ways to combat ageism through education, advocacy, and direct service. You can help fight back against ageist thinking, too. Here’s how:

Challenge Stereotypes: Push back against media and cultural portrayals that reinforce ageist tropes.
Educate Others: Share resources, like AllThrive 365’s blog on the state of aging in Arizona and our Language of Health Aging Glossary.
Support Intergenerational Programs: Initiatives like Grandparents’ Day strengthen bonds and challenge misconceptions.

Ageism in the Workplace

Older employees often face assumptions that they are less adaptable, less tech-savvy, or more expensive to employ. These stereotypes can lead to layoffs, hiring bias, and exclusion from promotions.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years or older. Yet enforcement remains inconsistent, and many seniors still experience age discrimination in employment.

How to Combat Ageism in the Workplace:

Are you wondering how to avoid age discrimination when applying for a job? Looking for a job as an older adult can be daunting, but it shouldn’t be. Here’s how to combat ageism when job searching:

Update Your Resume: Focus on recent achievements and remove dates that may signal your age.
Learn New Skills: Stay current with tech trends and certifications. Check out our education-based self-care guide for seniors.
Use Inclusive Job Boards: Seek out companies committed to careers without age discrimination.
Don’t list graduation years or early job experience unless relevant
Highlight adaptability and willingness to learn
Network within age-diverse professional circles

Age should be an asset, not a liability. Your years of experience bring value to any workplace.

Policy and Legal Protections: Know Your Rights

If you’re already in the workforce, knowing the law is one of the most effective ways to combat ageism. Understanding your rights under laws like ADEA can empower you to recognize and challenge unfair treatment. For example, in 2024, a 78-year-old receptionist won a $78,000 settlement after being fired just a month after receiving a top employee award — a clear violation of protections against age-based discrimination. Cases like this show how legal awareness can lead to justice and accountability.

In addition to the ADEA, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits age bias in federally funded programs. Yet many older adults are unaware of their rights. Advocacy organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provide guidance and resources for those facing discrimination.

How Are Sexism and Ageism Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Sexism and ageism are both forms of bias rooted in appearance, perceived capability, and traditional power structures. Older women, in particular, often face a double burden: dismissed due to age and marginalized due to gender.

The intersection of these biases can lead to more severe discrimination in professional settings, healthcare access, and even social inclusion. Addressing one without the other means only tackling part of the problem.

The Cost of Age Discrimination

Age discrimination harms more than just the individual. It drains the economy, strains healthcare systems, and perpetuates social inequality. Research by the AARP shows that age bias in hiring could cost the U.S. economy $850 billion annually in lost productivity. This significant economic impact underscores the need for policies and practices that promote age inclusivity and leverage the experience of older workers.

Socially, ageism contributes to isolation and poor health outcomes. AllThrive 365’s adult day health services and caregiver support programs are designed to reduce those impacts, fostering connection and well-being.

Why It Matters

Inclusivity isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about honoring the contributions of all community members. At AllThrive 365, we work to create environments where aging is embraced, not feared. By fostering respect, connection, and opportunity for older adults, we help build stronger, more compassionate communities for everyone.

Programs like ReCreación offer engagement and health support, while our blog on loneliness and heart health addresses emotional wellness — a crucial but often overlooked issue tied to ageism.

Combating ageism is about systemic change, cultural shifts, and personal accountability. Join us in building a society that values people at every stage of life!

Established in 1974, AllThrive 365 provides integrated, customized care in the Phoenix area for those who need it. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:

These programs enable Arizonans of all backgrounds to age with confidence. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. And, if possible, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!

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